Best Independent Bookstore

Hall of Fame: Chop Suey Books

First Place: Fountain Bookstore

1312 E. Cary St.
788-1594
fountainbookstore.com

Second Place: Black Swan

Third Place: BBGB

Off the cobblestones of Shockoe Slip and onto the creaky wooden steps inside, Fountain Bookstore can sometimes feel like a place out of time. But it is a modern den of print — with helpful staff, like owner Kelly Justice, and a bevy of talented authors coming through for events. Justice has a particular interest in food writers and cookbooks, and Fountain events often include chefs and local restaurants. If you know your preferred genre but can’t keep up with all the books, Fountain will help with a subscription based on your reading interests. Hall of Fame winner Chop Suey Books will always have the best bookstore cat, Wonton, along with a loyal following.